mRNA de novo synthesis drives FGF21 production in response to serum starvation.
Lipoic acid potentiates serum withdrawal-dependent increase in FGF21 secretion.
Lipoic acid cell signaling connects with FGF21 transcriptional pathway.
Serum withdrawal and lipoic acid treatment alter the structure of FGF21 promoter.
FGF21 may mediate the metabolic properties of lipoic acid.